Episode 4: BTS: Our Journey into Photography & How We Built Our Businesses
Photography Mentorship for Photographers: Our Real Journey into the Industry
Let’s get something straight: no one just wakes up a professional photographer. If you’ve ever wondered how people actually make it in this wild, creative, chaotic world—we’re getting into it today. Photography mentorship for photographers isn’t just about tips and tricks, it’s about telling the messy, beautiful truth behind the lens. And that’s exactly what this episode of The Raw Edit serves up.
From National Guard to Newborn Sessions: The Not-So-Linear Path
Here’s the spoiler: most photographers don’t start with a dream camera and a perfect business plan. They start in the trenches—sometimes literally. For me? My journey started in the National Guard. Yep. Basic training, stress fractures, pharmacy school… and then, eventually, a camera in my hand I didn’t want to put down.
That “aha” moment didn’t come in a classroom. It came in the chaos of motherhood, when I realized I needed something that was mine. I wasn’t made to just cook and clean and call it good. I was made to create. If you’re nodding your head right now, girl—you get it.
What Makes a Photographer? Spoiler: It’s Not Just Gear
Photography mentorship for photographers should be about more than gear lists and lighting ratios. Let’s be honest—some of my early sessions make me cringe. But that’s the point. We all start somewhere. What matters is that you start.
We’ve shot blurry messes and magic. We’ve stood in perfect golden hour and wrestled with lighting that made us scream into our SD cards. And through it all, we learned, grew, and—most importantly—kept going.
✅ Check out this post on our favorite travel session toolkit ➡️ Insert link once published
Real Talk: Mentorship That Doesn’t Sugarcoat It
Let’s be brutally honest—there’s a lot of fluff out there. But mentorship? It should be raw, honest, and straight-up helpful. Whether you’re shooting your first session or feeling stuck halfway through your career, you need someone who’s been there.
That’s why photography mentorship for photographers is so important to me. It’s not about filters or pretending this job is always glamorous. It’s about giving you the tools, support, and real stories that help you build something that actually feels good.
Why This Podcast Matters
We started The Raw Edit because we were tired of the polished version of photography. We wanted a place where the behind-the-scenes chaos counts, where the stories matter more than the stats, and where you can laugh, cry, and learn right alongside us.
Whether you’re just picking up your camera or you’ve been in business for years, you’ll find pieces of your own story in ours. So grab your Diet Coke, hit play, and let’s get into it.
🎧 Listen now: E4: BTS: Our Journey into Photography & How We Built Our Businesses
Let’s Keep It Real… and Keep Going
If no one’s told you today, you’re doing a damn good job. And if you’re craving community, connection, and some no-BS support? You’re in the right place.
Let’s make this chapter unforgettable. Check out photography mentorship for photographers and let’s build your dream biz—your way.
👇 Start here: Kellie Rochelle Photography
🎧 Hit play and let’s get RAW.
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About Raw Edit
Hosted by Kellie Rochelle and Sarah Monson, two photographers who have been through all the highs and lows, this podcast is your safe space for honest conversations about what it actually takes to thrive in this industry.
Each week, we’re bringing you behind-the-scenes stories, industry insights, and hard-earned lessons—so you can skip the mistakes and fast-track your success!
🌐 Connect with Us:
Kellie Rochelle Photography
- Website: https://kellierochelle.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellierochellephotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellierochellephotography/
Sarah Monson Photography
- Website: https://smonsonphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmonsonphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahMonsonPhotography
🎧 Subscribe and Listen: If you loved this episode, subscribe to RAW Edit and never miss an unfiltered conversation!
